Isokinetic evaluation of trunk muscles.

The purpose of this study is to identify those individuals at risk who have weak trunk muscles and are prone to back pain. The overall thrust of this research is to develop a quantitative method to assess dynamic strength of the trunk muscles. Two unique isokinetic strength testing units in sitting and standing postures have been designed. Three groups of volunteers were tested at different times and places. Quantitative measurements of the maximum strength, fatigue behavior of the abdominal and paraspinal muscles, maximum strength in different age groups and the role of the iliopsoas muscle have been performed. The study shows that women have lower maximum strength but equal or better fatigue endurance than men. There is a significant change in maximum strength with age. The maximum abdominal strength change with age showed a bimodal distribution. The iliopsoas muscle approximately doubled the maximum back strength in flexion. The test in the sitting posture was tolerated better than the test in the standing posture. Isokinetic back strength testing in the sitting posture was found to be effective and safe.